"Yes, this place reminds me of my mother. Before I moved to Germany, my mother and sister and I often went to play here. I still remember when my sister was crying because she fell off the swing, my mother came and hugged my sister and said 'your daughter should not cry, your daughter is a great child' those were the words of my mother who could always make her children calm and feel safe," she said with teary eyes.
"I also used to tease my sister and she was always annoyed because I liked to tease her the most. And in this place, my sister and I often played chase. Akh, I miss the past."
Hearing Maxime's past story, I could see another side of him. He loved his mother and his sister very much. Definitely, Maxime is a soft-hearted and warm brother.
"Do you really love your sister and your mom?"
"Very dear, Nad. I really love my sister and my mom. They're the reason I'm here," she said, holding up a heart-shaped necklace that she wore around her neck.
"Where are your sister and mother now? In Germany or here?" I asked curiously.
Maxime gave me a faint look. He looked at the evening sky with his sad eyes.
"My mother passed away two years ago due to a serious illness. Meanwhile, my father and my two older siblings live in Germany because they are German," he said with a faint smile.
"Oh, sorry I didn't know."
"I'ts okay."
She smiled again. But, this time her smile looked hollow. Her eyes were empty as if she was carrying a heavy burden.
"So, where's your sister?" I asked again.
"My sister is . . . ."
Before Maxime could continue, I was so surprised because I just saw Niko along with Dara playing on the swing.
"What, Dara and Niko are here too? Should I just go there? But, I'm afraid to disturb them. But, I'll just go over."
Before I could approach Dara and Niko who were together, I was surprised by Dara who suddenly kissed Niko on the lips. My hand felt like it was pierced by a needle and my heart felt like it was pierced by thousands of arrows.
I was frozen in place and couldn't move at all. Suddenly Maxime pulled my hand and hugged me tightly. He made me stop to stare at the ugly scene.
In an instant, I was crying in his arms. I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. My tears started to break and Maxime tightened his embrace even more. I tried not to look at the scene, but my legs didn't follow my heart.
I still wanted to take a step towards them, but Maxime wouldn't let me. He held my body so tightly that I couldn't let go of his embrace. Is this what heartbreak feels like? It was really painful and I didn't want to feel this again.
"Are you okay, Nad?" asked Maxime when he saw me just staying silent and not making any sound at all.
"I hate having to give in like this. I hate myself for giving in to love. I hate seeing Niko with Dara and I hate the feelings I feel for Niko the most. Does love have to be so miserable?"
Maxime pulled my hand and held my shoulders, looking at me intently.
"How much do you love Niko, Nad? Is there no chance for another man who wants to love you sincerely?" Maxime asked suddenly which made me look at him.
"I don't know how much I love Niko, but I know that pain is the measure of my love for him. And, that's how much I love him."
Maxime smiled. He held my head gently and stroked my hair lovingly. His eyes looked full of very sincere affection. I was afraid that the kindness and affection Maxime gave me would give him regret.
Even though we've only known each other for a few days, I'm happy to know him and to be this close to him. Maxime is indeed like an angel without wings that God deliberately sent to take care of me.
"I hope that you can find a good woman for your future, Max," I said softly.
"You're also a good woman, and I've already found that good woman. And, that woman is now in front of me," he replied which made me look back at him softly.
"You're too good for me, Max. I don't want to hurt you. You know that I'm married and you know that I love Niko very much."
Maxime grasped my hands gently and looked at me deeply.
"I don't care if you're married or if you love another man. My love for you will never change or diminish in the slightest. You don't have to love me back, Nad. With you always being with me and you always smiling brightly, that's more than enough for me."
For some reason, I really wanted to hug her. Thanks to his presence, this time I was quite comforted and not so lonely. I hugged Maxime so tightly. With this hug, I could at least repay his kindness to me.
"Thank you so much, Max. Without you, I wouldn't be this strong."
Maxime smiled slightly. He returned my hug and made me feel comfortable in his arms. Since it was already late, I decided not to go back to my house. All I could do at the moment was to go home to my parents' house. Since I had been traveling with Maxime all day, he was happy to take me home.
"Stop by first, Max. I'll introduce you to my parents."
"Your parents?" he repeated, looking surprised.
"Yes, I want to introduce you to your mom and dad. They seem to be inside."
"Akh, no need. I'd better go home, I'm afraid to disturb them."
"You're going home anyway? Come on, let's go inside first."
"Nadia?" someone called, which made me and Maxime turn our bodies towards the source of the voice.